In a trend that is as disturbing as it is unsurprising, Silicon Valley's Provigil problem is starting to get noticed. Earlier this summer, TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington posted an article that asked how many Silicon Valley executives were hopped up on the drug. While the article prompted a flood of angry comments, there were several users who admitted using the drug to stay focused.
Provigil is a prescription drug manufactured by Cephalon. Unlike caffeine or amphetamines, Provigil is said, per the drug's literature, to "...promote wakefulness without causing generalized stimulation in the brain." It is a favorite drug of Silicon Valley executives, who must work long and productive hours and be able to have a restful sleep at the end of their day.
I saw this happen in high school and college, typically around midterms and final exams. The drug my peers chose was typically Ritalin, something they could easily get a prescription for after feigning ADD symptoms. It's a shame that Silicon Valley executives are joining in on this potentially dangerous trend.
Dot-Com Drug Abuse
Silicon Valley's Provigil Problem
Trend Themes
1. Tech-enabled Drug Use - The use of drugs like Provigil by tech professionals to enhance productivity could give rise to tech-enabled drug use.
2. Sleep Management Tools - The need for drugs like Provigil by Silicon Valley executives highlights an opportunity for sleep management tools like wearable devices and smart mattresses.
3. Healthy Productivity Boosters - The trend of using prescription drugs to enhance productivity could lead to a demand for healthy alternatives that boost productivity without harmful side effects.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies can explore the development of healthier productivity boosters to meet the rising demand for such drugs.
2. Wearable Technology - Wearable technology companies can create devices that monitor and improve sleep, which could help workers avoid using drugs like Provigil.
3. Mental Health - Mental health professionals can educate tech workers and their organizations about the dangers of using drugs like Provigil as productivity enhancers.